Up to a dozen residents that their details have been used “without their knowledge” to strengthen opposition to a £100m marina plan in Holyhead.

This startling revelation comes as Anglesey Council seeks the views of the public on a move that would effectively block the £100m waterfront marina project.

According to the authority, over 500 letters have been received from members of the public outlining their opposition to the county council surrendering its lease for Newry Beach, which at present is set to run until 2025.

Newry Beach, Holyhead (Image: Anglesey Archives)

The £100m marina plans are a contentious issue in the town, with camps vehemently for and against the proposals.

However, one Holyhead resident says she did not consent to such a letter being sent in her name despite receiving acknowledgement of this.

Pauline Wood says that despite signing an earlier petition outlining her opposition to the waterfront plans, she did not consent nor sign a letter opposing the lease being surrendered, as was received by Anglesey Council.

Mrs Wood said: “I was astounded to receive a letter from the council acknowledging receipt of my letter.

“I suppose many people would be tempted to just forget about such a letter, but I followed it up and the council sent me a copy which shows a pre-written letter with my name, signature and address on the bottom.

“Whilst it is true to say that I signed an earlier petition at a local Post Office, I certainly did not consent to such a letter being sent out in my name. A petition is just one name amongst a number, but this is an entirely different matter.”

Since Mrs Wood raised her concerns, its been revealed that up to a dozen other residents have contacted Anglesey Council outlining similar concerns.

A spokesman for the authority said: “We can confirm that we have been approached by more than a dozen residents who have all raised concerns about their signatures being put to a letter without their knowledge. These letters were amongst around 500 received as part of a recent consultation regarding the Newry Beach lease.”

“It is a matter for individuals concerned whether they want to pursue the matter.”

In response, a short statement on behalf of the Waterfront Action Group, read: “It is regretful that Mrs Wood has made this accusation which we believe is without substance. We have spoken with Anglesey Council about this and we are satisfied that there has been no wrong doing.”

The town’s Mayor, Cllr Ronald Williams, said: “I’m furious that residents, such as Mrs Wood, appear to have had their signatures ‘superimposed’ in this way. I have nothing against people exercising their democratic right, but using their details against their will is another separate issue altogether”.